Top Places for Summer Birding in Richmond, BC

It’s 9:00 am in Steveston’s Garry Point Park. Joggers are pounding the sun-dappled trails while several dog walkers are sauntering around with their pooches. But I’m standing stock-still on the park’s quiet western shoreline, staring at a muddy beach. It’s not the mud that I’m interested in, though. It’s the gaggle of busy shorebirds that are noodling across it searching for breakfast.

I’m not a pro-birder or someone who collects sightings like a Pokémon Go player. But I love nature and I fully enjoy seeing birds doing their thing in the wild. Luckily Richmond––located on the Pacific Flyway migratory route and studded with diverse habitats––is a magnet for a huge array of local and visiting avian life. Which means it’s also a magnet for those who like to watch them.

Back at Garry Point, the mud-loving birds I spotted that day were greater yellowlegs: gangly, long-necked critters with––of course––yellow legs. They typically travel the Pacific Flyway twice yearly and are often seen here in spring and fall. But birding in Richmond is actually a year-round pastime––and summer is perhaps the most inviting time to give it a try.

Keen to slow down, head outside and reconnect with the natural world on your own summertime birding excursion? Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran nature-watcher, I’ve rounded up my favourite Richmond spotting destinations below, including some insights on what you might see at each. But first, here are some handy tips and resources to help you plan your own great day out.  

BIRDING 101

There’s no need to be an expert to try birding in summertime Richmond. The key requirements are a sunhat, good walking shoes and a water bottle––plus a wide-eyed sense of exploration. If you can bring a pair of binoculars, that’s also a great idea. You can also download the free Merlin bird app to help you identify birds from the calls they make. This handy list of local birds also shows you what to look out for. One final point: do not disturb any of the birds you see en route––if they fly away or seem alarmed by your presence, you are too close.

GARRY POINT PARK

12011 7th Avenue, Richmond, B.C.

Summer is often busy in this shoreline Steveston park, so it’s best to visit early or later in the day when it’s a bit quieter––these are also the times when birds are typically more active. In my experience, the best spotting locations are on the western tip (where I saw those yellowlegs) and at the nearby Scotch Pond area, where I’ve enjoyed summertime sightings of belted kingfishers snatching small fish from the water as well as a beady-eyed merlin hawk that was perched in a tree scanning for potential prey. I’ve also seen multiple tree swallows skimming the pond here like fighter jets, hunting for tasty insects.

WEST DYKE TRAIL

Between Garry Point Park and Terra Nova Rural Park

Handily connected to Garry Point Park, a summertime stroll along this wide, 6 km marsh-and-shoreline trail is a mentally restorative nature boost––whether or not you spot any birds. I especially like walking here in the early evening on long summer days, and I’ve frequently spotted Pacific great blue herons gracefully flying overhead as well as occasional groups of bald eagles spiralling together in a lofty social manoeuvre known as “kettling.” I’ve also enjoyed several summertime viewings of northern harriers levitating over the marsh before diving on unsuspecting small prey in the reeds.

TERRA NOVA RURAL PARK

2631 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C.

If you want to plan a full bird-tastic summer day, start in Garry Point Park then walk along the West Dyke Trail to Terra Nova Rural Park. At Terra Nova, you’ll find several well-marked trails that wind invitingly through the verdant foliage. You’ll likely see (and definitely hear) plenty of red-winged blackbirds calling out to each other here. I’ve also seen everything from brown creepers to swallows to chestnut-backed chickadees in this area in summer. And I recently spotted a couple of green-winged teals in the park’s reed-fringed pond, a rare sighting for a bird usually only seen here in fall and winter.

TERRA NOVA NATURAL AREA

2700 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C.

Across the road from the Rural Park is the separate Terra Nova Natural Area. And it’s one of the most celebrated birding locations in Richmond. As you walk the trail that encircles its carefully protected central zone––with its abundant foliage, towering trees and large nesting boxes––you’ll often meet dedicated birders standing quietly and pointing their huge-lensed cameras towards the branches. I recently asked one snapper what she was watching and she pointed out a fluffy baby barred owl, perched alongside its protective parent, which I definitely would not have seen on my own.

IONA BEACH REGIONAL PARK

900 Ferguson Road, Richmond, B.C.

Experienced birders highly rate this sandy shoreline park due to its multiple habitats, which together lure an unusually diverse array of birds. In summer, you might spot herons and mallards on the ponds; eagles perched in the highest trees; shorebirds on the muddy waterfront; or harriers gliding over the floating logs. Make sure you look for the bird observatory shed on your walk: if it’s open, the friendly volunteers will tell you all about the birds they are banding and studying here. Alternatively, drop by for the park’s admission-free Wings Over Iona event on September 12, complete with birding walks and much more.

PAULIK NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK

7620 Heather Street, Richmond, B.C.

Curated by volunteers, Paulik’s hidden gem garden area is a 1.5-acre delight studded with a cornucopia of summertime blooms. But you won’t be the only garden-loving visitor here. Birds have also discovered this sweet-smelling Richmond oasis, and you might see everything from spotted towhees to northern flickers to American goldfinches flitting among the trees. Our favourite recent sighting was a Cooper’s hawk that eyed us imperiously from a low branch. This is also a great place for summertime butterfly viewings––there’s a dedicated area with special plants for them, along with handy ID signage.

RICHMOND NATURE PARK

11851 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C.

If you’re looking for a birding activity that doesn’t involve too much walking, beeline straight to this popular city park. Start inside at the free-entry Nature House, where you’ll find family-friendly exhibits and displays on our region’s flora and fauna. Then, head outside to discover several feeding stations where birds congregate throughout the day. In summer, there are typically several hummingbird syrup feeders here––bring your camera for easy-access shots of Anna’s hummingbirds as well as the orange-hued rufous hummingbirds that only visit our region in spring and summer.

Last Updated on August 11, 2026 by Tourism Richmond